Vesuvius Regulatory News (VSVS)

2 August 2011

COOKSON GROUP PLC

2011 HALF YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT

HIGHLIGHTS

·; Strong performance improvement in H1 2011 (versus H1 2010):

o Revenue of £1,421m, up 12% on underlying basis1

o Trading profit of £145.9m, up 21%

o Return on sales1 of 10.3% (Ceramics 11.6%; Electronics 10.8%), versus 9.8%

o Headline profit before tax1 of £132.1m, up 27%

·; Good progress towards our return on sales margin target of 12% by 2013 (assuming constant metal prices) - H1 2011 margin at constant metal prices was 10.9% versus 9.9% in FY2010

·; Strong demand in key end-markets of steel production, foundry castings and electronics

·; Continued investment in production capacity in key growth markets (China, India, Brazil, Eastern Europe, Japan and Singapore) and in increased R&D capability

·; Headline EPS1 of 35.2p, up 30% on H1 2010 (27.0p)

·; Interim dividend declared of 7.25p per share (2010: interim dividend - nil; final dividend - 11.5p)

·; Net debt of £429m; leverage ratio (net debt to EBITDA) of 1.3 times

Commenting on the Group's results and outlook, Nick Salmon, Chief Executive, said:

"We have continued to make good progress this year towards our stated targets for 2013. With our leading global market positions, continued market penetration of newly developed products and services and further expansion of our strong presence in the faster growth emerging markets, we believe we are well positioned to continue to benefit from further growth in our end-markets.

"Given the strong performance in the first half of 2011 and our outlook for a marginally stronger second half, we now anticipate full year performance to be slightly ahead of our earlier expectations."

INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT

The Directors submit their Interim Management Report ("IMR"), together with condensed financial statements of the Group, for the six months ended 30 June 2011.

This IMR has been prepared for the Group as a whole and therefore gives greater emphasis to those matters which are significant to Cookson Group plc and its subsidiaries when viewed as a whole.

OVERVIEW

The Group's performance continued to improve very significantly in the first half of 2011. Continued market penetration of newly-developed products and the further expansion of our presence in emerging markets have positioned our businesses favourably to benefit from further growth in our end-markets. We see considerable potential for further improvement and, in January 2011, we announced new three year performance targets, setting out our ambitions and strategy for continued strong progress. These targets are set out below.

TARGETS AND STRATEGY

On 26 January 2011, we gave an extensive Capital Markets presentation setting out our targets for performance improvement over the three years ending December 2013 and our strategy for achieving those targets. The full presentation is available on our web site. The targets are:

·; average annual revenue growth to exceed 1.5 times global GDP growth;

·; return on sales margin of 12% by year 2013 (assuming constant metals prices);

·; double digit average annual headline earnings growth;

·; dividend growth at least in line with earnings growth;

·; return on investment increasingly ahead of the Group's weighted average cost of capital; and

·; maintaining a strong financial position with a leverage ratio (year-end net debt to EBITDA ratio) of not more than 1.5 times.

In setting these targets we are not assuming any significant acquisitions. No major disposals are anticipated but any opportunities to create value will be considered objectively. The significant improvement in the Group's portfolio of businesses means that achievement of the 12% margin target does not require any division to deliver higher margins than they have previously achieved (note: pro-forma for Foseco).

We see the achievement of these targets being underpinned by:

·; leading global market positions, supplying consumables to essential industries - steel, foundry and electronics;

·; a track record of market share gains with new, enhanced technology, higher margin products, together with increased R&D capability and spending;

·; significant emerging market exposure (c.50% of revenue; >60% of trading profit);

·; considerable further recovery potential in mature markets where the cost base has been significantly reduced; and

·; opportunities to leverage further organic growth through bolt-on acquisitions.

SUMMARY OF GROUP PERFORMANCE

Trading performance

Group revenue of £1,421m was 15% higher, as reported, than the first half of 2010 reflecting strong end-market demand combined with the pass through to customers of significant commodity price rises for tin, silver and gold in the Electronics and Precious Metals divisions. On an underlying basis (constant exchange rates and adjusted for differences in commodity metals), Group revenue increased by 12%. Trading profit of £145.9m was 21% higher than that reported for the first half of 2010 and the return on sales margin improved to 10.3% (H1 2010: 9.8%). If commodity metals prices had remained at average 2010 levels, the margin would have been 10.9%.

The Ceramics division's revenue of £851m was 16% higher than that reported in the first half of 2010 with, as expected, further progress in our steel related businesses (Steel Flow Control and Linings together up 10% at constant exchange rates) and particularly strong growth in the Foundry and Fused Silica businesses (up, respectively, 26% and 34% at constant exchange rates). Trading profit of £98.5m was 13% higher than the first half of 2010. The return on sales margin was 11.6% (first half 2010: 11.8%). Raw material minerals costs rose faster than expected over the period and compensating selling price increases have now largely been agreed with customers, albeit with some time lag. Hence margins are expected to improve through the second half of the year as the price increases come into effect.

The Electronics division's revenue of £418m was 21% higher than that reported in the first half of 2010. In large part this strong growth reflects the pass through of higher tin, silver and gold commodity prices. On an underlying basis, the revenue increase was 4%. This relatively low figure reflected the continuing strategy of exiting more commoditised products (such as bar solder). However, this effect was more than offset by the continued market penetration of innovative, higher margin, products such as advanced solder pastes, copper damascene, 'tape and reel' packaged solder pre-forms, and plating-on-plastics chemicals. As a result of this mix change, trading profit rose significantly to £45.0m, an increase of 44% over that reported in the first half of 2010. The return on sales margin rose to 10.8% (first half 2010: 9.1%). The net sales value for the division, being revenue less the value of tin and precious metals included in revenue, was £207m (first half 2010: £200m) and the return on net sales value was 21.8% (first half 2010: 15.7%).

The Precious Metals division's net sales value of £65m decreased by 4%, as reported, compared with the first half of 2010 with continuing weakness in retail markets largely offset by the continued strength of precious metals recycling activity in Europe and US Mint coin blank production. Trading profit of £6.7m was in line with the first half of 2010 and the return on net sales value improved to 10.3% (first half 2010: 9.7%).

Exceptional items

A net charge, pre-tax, of £12.4m was incurred (first half 2010: £11.5m), principally comprising amortisation of intangible assets.

Taxation

The tax charge on ordinary activities was £31.7m (first half 2010: £26.5m) on a headline profit before tax of £132.1m, an effective tax rate (before share of post-tax loss of joint ventures) of 24%.

Attributable profits and earnings

Headline attributable profit for the first half of 2011 was £97.1m (first half 2010: £74.7m) and headline earnings per share was 35.2p, an increase of 30% over the first half of 2010.

After taking account of all items excluded from headline profit before tax noted above (net of the related tax impact), the Group recorded a profit of £87.3m for the first half of 2011 (first half 2010: £64.5m).

Dividend and dividend policy

Given the strong trading performance in the first half of 2011 and the outlook for the remainder of 2011, the Board is declaring an interim dividend of 7.25p per share (2010: interim dividend - nil; final dividend - 11.5p). It is the Board's intention to balance the split of interim and final dividends broadly on a one third/two thirds basis.

Financial position

In line with expectations, net debt at 30 June 2011 was £429m compared with £405m at June 2010 and £330m at December 2010. Working capital increased by £135m reflecting normal seasonality, the strong growth in underlying revenue and the revenue pass through of higher commodity metals prices. Whilst the absolute level of trade working capital rose during the first half of 2011, the ratio of average trade working capital to sales in the first half of 2011 of 21.6% remained in line with expectations and compares with 21.1% for the full year 2010.

On 14 April, we announced the signing of a new £600m, five year revolving credit facility with a group of sixteen banks to replace the existing bank facility which was due to mature in October 2012. This followed the successful issue in December 2010 of US$250m of private placement loan notes with an average maturity of 8.5 years.

At 30 June 2011, the ratio of net debt to EBITDA was 1.3 times which is expected to reduce significantly by year end in line with the normal seasonality of net debt. Hence the Group's financial position is strong with ample liquidity under long-term financing arrangements.

DIRECTORATE

Having served for nine years as a non-executive Director, Barry Perry retired from the Board at the close of the Annual General Meeting on 12 May 2011.

As announced on 27 June 2011, Dr Emma FitzGerald joined the Board as a non-executive Director on 1 August 2011. Dr FitzGerald is Vice President, Global Retail Network for Shell International. She joined Shell in 1992, and has held a variety of general management, strategic and technical roles. Dr FitzGerald has extensive experience of the Asia-Pacific region and has served on boards in Korea and China.

The Board would like to record its sincere thanks to Barry for his considerable contribution to Cookson over many years and to welcome Emma on to the Board.

OUTLOOK

While macro-economic conditions remain uncertain, to date we have seen no material change in end-market, or trading, trends beyond normal seasonal effects.

For the full year 2011 we continue to expect mid-single digit growth in global steel production, slightly higher growth in electronic equipment production and double digit growth in our foundry castings end-market. Although for our foundry business year on year performance comparisons will become more demanding through the second half of the year.

In line with normal seasonality, we would expect somewhat lower volumes in the Ceramics division's steel and foundry markets in the second half when compared with the first. We are also expecting, temporarily, lower volumes in the solar crucible business although this is a relatively small part of the division's activity. Margins should improve as the recently agreed selling price increases work through. Overall we therefore expect the Ceramics division's second half performance to be broadly in line with the first half.

The Electronics division should see some normal seasonal strengthening of demand through the third quarter and hence a slightly stronger second half performance is expected. The Precious Metals division is expected to deliver a similar performance in the second half.

Given the strong performance in the first half of 2011 and our outlook for a marginally stronger second half, we currently anticipate full year performance to be slightly ahead of our earlier expectations.

With ongoing investment to expand capacity in the faster growth regions and share gains with innovative products and services, we continue to believe the Group is well placed to achieve our 2013 targets.

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

Group

Group revenue in the first half of 2011 of £1,421m was 15% higher than the same period in 2010 and 12% higher on an underlying basis (being revenue at constant exchange rates and adjusted for differences in commodity metals). Compared with the second half of 2010, revenue was 7% higher on an underlying basis. Demand in the Group's key end-markets of steel production, foundry castings and electronics has been strong during the period and in line with previous expectations. Revenue for the Group was well balanced geographically with 34% coming from sales to customers in Europe, 33% from Asia-Pacific, 23% from NAFTA and 10% from the Rest of the World.

Trading profit in the first half of 2011 rose significantly to £145.9m (2010: £120.3m), being 21% higher at both reported and constant exchange rates. Trading profit was also 10% higher than the second half of 2010 at constant currency (11% at reported exchange rates). Trading profit improved in all three of the Group's divisions compared to both the first and second halves of 2010.

The return on sales margin in the first half of 2011 was 10.3%, continuing the progressive improvement seen in 2010 (first half 2010: 9.8%; second half 2010: 10.0%). This improvement was achieved notwithstanding the impact of higher metal prices (notably for gold, silver and tin), which increased reported revenue in the Electronics and Precious Metals divisions without any impact on profitability. The return on sales margin in the first half of 2011 would have been 10.9% if these metal prices had remained at 2010 average levels.

Note: in the divisional and product line narrative analysis below, all of the financial information is presented at constant currency, unless indicated otherwise.

Ceramics division

Trading under the Vesuvius and Foseco brand names, the Ceramics division is the world leader in the supply of advanced consumable products and systems to the global steel industry (which accounts for a little over half of revenue) and the global foundry industry (approximately one third of revenue) and is a leading supplier of speciality products to the glass and solar industries.

The Ceramics division experienced strong demand in its key end-markets in the first half of 2011. Revenue of £851m was 16% higher than the first half of 2010 and 11% higher than the second half of 2010 (at reported exchange rates; 16% and 12% respectively).

Trading profit in the first half of 2011 rose significantly to £98.5m (first half 2010: £86.8m), being 13% higher at both reported and constant exchange rates. Trading profit was also 8% higher than the second half of 2010 (9% at reported exchange rates). The return on sales margin in the first half of 2011 was 11.6%, marginally lower than both halves of 2010 (first half: 11.8%; second half: 11.9%). Raw material input costs rose faster than expected over the period, particularly for graphite, zirconia and magnesite minerals. Compensating selling price increases have now largely been agreed with customers, albeit with some time lag. Hence margins are expected to improve through the second half of the year as the price increases come into force.

The Ceramics division provides leading technologies to its customers supported by outstanding technical support and R&D resources. As outlined in the Capital Markets presentation on 26 January 2011, the division expects to double its R&D spend over the next five years. As part of this initiative, investments in land and facilities for R&D centres are being made in Pittsburgh, US and Visag, India.

Steel Flow Control

The Steel Flow Control business provides a full range of consumable products, systems and technical services to control, regulate and protect the flow of steel in the enclosed continuous casting process. Products include VISO™ and VAPEX™ products, slide-gate and tube changer systems and refractories, gas purging and temperature control devices, and mould and tundish fluxes.

Global steel production represents almost 100% of the end-market for Steel Flow Control products and services. According to the World Steel Association ("WSA"), global steel production was 758m tonnes in the first half of 2011. This compares to production of 704m tonnes in the first half of 2010, an 8% increase. Excluding China, steel production in the first half of 2011 was 6% higher than the first half of 2010. Following the unprecedented collapse in steel production in the fourth quarter of 2008, production levels started to recover from May 2009 with the recovery continuing through 2010 and the first half of 2011. Whilst this improvement in steel production is encouraging, production levels in the developed world are still materially below the levels seen prior to the economic downturn, suggesting scope for considerable further growth in steel output in the medium term. Production in Europe and the US in the second quarter of 2011 represented only 86% and 85% respectively of the production levels seen in the second quarter of 2008.

Revenue of £269m was 9% higher compared to both the first and second halves of 2010. These growth rates were marginally ahead of the increase in steel production in the key markets in which Vesuvius operates, reflecting favourable product mix, including increased market penetration of its new, higher value-added, tundish tube changer and ladle shroud products, and the partial pass-through of higher raw material costs.

Our new 'Robotic Casting Technology' R&D project is progressing well with several customers now agreeing to host in-service proving trials of key components, including the new robotically manipulated ladle shroud tube changer. The object of this project is to significantly improve the health and safety environment in our customers' steel mills and to increase their production quality and yields.

Projects are ongoing during 2011 to increase both capacity and production efficiency in our manufacturing facilities in China, India and Brazil in order to meet the continuing growth in demand in these countries. New facilities are being built in Brazil and China to improve the efficiency of raw material processing, and the project to double capacity at the Indian facility in Kolkata was completed during the period. A project has also recently been initiated to double the capacity of the existing facility in Trinec, Czech Republic to service more effectively the Eastern Europe and CIS markets. The first phase of this expansion should be completed by the end of 2011.

Linings

Linings includes products and services that enable customers' plants to withstand the effects of extreme temperatures or erosive chemical attack and reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The business manufactures castables, gunning materials, ramming mixes, pre-cast shapes, tap hole clay, bricks, mortars, and provides construction and installation services.

Global iron and steel production represents more than 75% of the end-market for Linings products and services with the remainder arising from a variety of non-steel markets including the cement, lime, aluminium, power generation, petrochemical and waste incineration industries.

Revenue of £269m represented an 11% increase compared to the first half of 2010 and 9% increase compared to the second half of 2010. The growth reflected increased levels of maintenance as steel producers increased production, and the partial pass-through of higher raw material prices.

Production capacity at our Chinese specialist magnesia carbon brick-lining business, BRC, is being increased by around one-half through the installation of automated presses.

Foundry

The Foundry business is a leading supplier of consumable products and technical services to the foundry industry worldwide and trades under the Foseco brand name. Products include feeding systems, filters, metal treatments, metal transfer systems, crucibles, stoppers, sand binders, coatings and moulding materials used in the production of metal castings. These products improve quality and yields whilst reducing energy consumption and production costs.

The global foundry industry produces castings which are used in a wide variety of engineered products. Approximately 40% of castings (and therefore a similar percentage of the revenue for the Foundry product line) are produced for the vehicle sector, being 25% for cars and light trucks ('automotive') and 15% for heavy trucks. Other end-markets for foundry castings include construction, agriculture and mining machinery; power generation equipment, pipes and valves; railroad, and general engineering equipment. The foundry castings market deteriorated significantly towards the end of 2008 and has subsequently demonstrated more "late-cycle" characteristics in its recovery. Whilst automotive production started to improve from mid-2009 onwards, truck production (particularly in Europe) only started to recover from mid-2010 onwards. It was only towards the end of the first half of 2010 that the Foundry business started to experience a more positive impact on its revenue with this improvement continuing during the remainder of 2010 and into the first half of 2011.

Revenue of £266m represented a 26% increase compared to the first half of 2010 and a 14% increase compared to the second half of 2010. There has been strong growth in most regions, particularly Northern Europe (especially Germany which accounted for c.20% of revenue), NAFTA and India, reflecting the strong demand in these markets for cars, trucks, mining and agricultural equipment and general engineering machinery. Southern European markets are recovering more slowly. Whilst these trends are encouraging, revenue in the first half of 2011 was still 7% below the revenue achieved in the first half of 2008 (pro-forma for Foseco), suggesting scope for further improvement.

The first orders for the recently launched INITEK™ system have been secured with five systems now in operation, eight in the process of being commissioned and a further twenty under negotiation with potential customers. The INITEK™ system is based on a proprietary combination of additives and processes in a purpose-designed converter vessel which significantly improves casting quality and reduces customers' production costs by some 10% through reductions in the consumption of energy and materials.

The manufacturing facility in Chambery, France was closed during the period with production transferring to existing facilities in Poland and India. Additional production capacity for filters and feeding systems is also being installed in our facilities in the UK and Japan for completion in early 2012.

The Chinese foundry castings end-market is expected to grow strongly over the next few years. In anticipation of this growth, it has been decided to build a new production facility in China. A number of locations are currently under evaluation.

Fused Silica

The Fused Silica business' principal products are Solar Crucibles™ used in the manufacture of photovoltaic ("solar") panels and tempering rollers used in the glass industry.

The Fused Silica business experienced much improved trading conditions in the first half of 2011, although some softening in the demand for Solar Crucibles™ became evident towards the end of the period as a number of customers cut production in response to excess global inventories of finished solar panels. A significant slow-down in demand for one or two quarters due to de-stocking of finished panels is expected. However, the prospects for the solar industry in the medium to long-term remain very promising.

Revenue of £47m represented a 34% increase compared to the first half of 2010 and 17% increase compared to the second half of 2010. Solar Crucible™ revenue, which represents around 60% of total Fused Silica revenue, increased by 38% compared to the first half of 2010 and by 23% compared to the second half of 2010.

For glass tempering rollers and other speciality products used in the manufacture of glass, revenue increased 29% compared to the first half of 2010 and 8% compared to the second half of 2010.

A new Solar Crucible™ facility in China commenced production in the first quarter of 2011 and the expansion of the existing facility in Moravia, Czech Republic, to produce the larger, "G5" Solar Crucible™ is progressing with completion expected in 2012. The doubling of capacity of the line for production of the recently introduced 'ready to use' ('RTU') Solar Crucibles™ in the facility in Skawina, Poland is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2011. RTU Solar Crucibles™ are crucibles pre-coated with a patented solution which increases customers' manufacturing productivity. A new raw material processing plant is being built in China for completion by year-end, which will enable us to source cheaper raw materials from a wider variety of sources and which will also enable us to supply processed materials to our European factories.

Electronics division

The Electronics division is a world leading supplier of electronic assembly materials and advanced surface treatment and plating chemicals. The electronic equipment production end-market accounts for approximately three-quarters of revenue with the other quarter being direct applications (non-electronics) in automotive and industrial production. The division comprises two businesses; Assembly Materials, which is a supplier of solder and related products, and Chemistry, which is a supplier of electro-plating chemicals.

Electronics end-markets have been strong during the half year with good growth in demand for personal computers (including 'tablets'), mobile phones (particularly smartphones), and automotive electronics. According to estimates from Gartner, global personal computer unit shipments in the first half of 2011 were only 1% higher than the first half of 2010. However this data excludes tablet personal computers, volumes of which according to Henderson are expected to double from 20m units in 2010 to around 45m units in 2011. Global unit shipments of mobile phones increased 15% compared to the first half of 2010, according to estimates from IDC, with an increasing proportion of these being more technically sophisticated smartphones. Automotive markets have shown good improvement.

Revenue of £418m was 23% higher than the first half of 2010 and 10% higher than the second half of 2010 (at reported exchange rates; 21% and 11% respectively).

The higher revenue partially reflects the 'pass through' to customers of higher tin and silver prices, both major raw materials for Assembly Materials, and higher gold and palladium prices in the Chemistry business. In the first half of 2011, the average prices of tin, silver and gold were respectively 72%, 108% and 28% higher than the same period last year, such that approximately £63m of the division's revenue increase was as a result of these higher metal prices. Excluding the impact of these commodity metals and adjusting for a small disposal in December 2010, underlying revenue was 4% higher compared to the first half of 2010 and 3% lower compared to the second half. These trends reflect the continuing strategy of exiting more commoditised products (particularly bar solder) offset by the continued market penetration of innovative, higher margin, products such as advanced solder pastes, copper damascene, 'tape and reel' packaged solder pre-forms, and plating-on-plastics chemicals. The division normally sees a slightly stronger second half compared to the first due to the third quarter peak in electronic equipment production ahead of the Thanksgiving and Christmas consumer spending. Asia-Pacific, the division's largest region, accounted for 46% of revenue in the first half of 2011 (by location of customer).

In the first half of 2011, the division's revenue included £114m of tin, £62m of silver and £35m of gold and palladium. Net sales value (which excludes these amounts from revenue) in the first half of 2011 was £207m, 4% higher than the first half of 2010 (as reported).

As a result of the improving mix in the profitability of revenue, trading profit for the first half of 2011 rose significantly to £45.0m (first half 2010: £31.1m), a 45% increase (44% higher at reported exchange rates). The trading profit in the first half of 2011 was also 14% higher (13% higher at reported rates) than the £39.4m achieved in the second half of 2010, notwithstanding the normal seasonality of the business.

The return on sales margin in the first half of 2011 was 10.8%, well ahead of both halves of 2010 as reported (first half: 9.1%; second half: 10.5%). The pass through to customers of the higher tin and precious metals commodity prices discussed above increased revenue by some £63m but had no material impact on trading profit. The return on sales margin in the first half of 2011 would have been 12.7% if metal prices had remained at average 2010 levels.

The return on net sales value in the first half of 2011 was 21.8%, well ahead of both halves of 2010 as reported (first half 2010: 15.7%; second half 2010: 18.8%).

Assembly Materials

Assembly Materials is a leading global supplier of materials to assemblers of printed circuit boards ("PCBs") and the semi-conductor packaging industry and to certain non-electronics markets such as automotive and water treatment. Its principal brand name is Alpha and products include solder (in bar, wire, paste, powder and sphere form) and fluxes, adhesives, cleaning chemicals and stencils.

Revenue of £271m was 30% higher than the first half of 2010 and 13% higher than the second half of 2011 (at reported exchange rates the percentages were 30% and 14% respectively). Excluding the impact of passing through higher tin and silver prices and adjusting for a small disposal in December 2010, on an underlying basis revenue was 2% higher than the first half of 2010 and 8% lower than the second half. These growth rates reflect the strong growth in the global production of electronic equipment, the continuation of the successful strategy to focus on higher margin, enhanced technology products, and exiting more commoditised products such as bar solder. For solder products, which account for three-quarters of Assembly Materials' revenue, sales of higher margin solder pastes were up 7% by weight compared to the first half of 2010 while bar solder was down 12%, partially reflecting the continuing shift from wave soldering to surface mount technology for the production of PCBs.

Net sales value (which excludes the value of tin and silver from revenue) in the first half of 2011 was £95m, 3% lower than the first half of 2010.

A number of new production lines are currently being installed in the US, the Netherlands, and Singapore related to the launch in 2012 of some innovative new products. These products include Ready Ribbon™, a pre-fluxed, solder coated, copper ribbon used for connecting solar cells within a solar panel, and nano-silver die attach products for use in the manufacture of LED lights and power electronics. Completion of these production lines is expected towards the end of 2011.

Chemistry

The Chemistry business manufactures and supplies speciality electro-plating chemicals under the trade name Enthone. Approximately 45% of sales are to the electronics industry and 55% to industrial and automotive applications.

Revenue of £147m for the first half of 2011 was 11% higher than the first half of 2010 and 5% higher than the second half (at reported exchange rates; 9% and 5% respectively). Net sales value (which excludes the value of gold and palladium from revenue) in the first half of 2011 was £112m, 6% and 2% higher than the first and second halves of 2010 respectively. Compared to the first half of 2010, sales of plating-on-plastics and corrosion and wear resistant products for automotive and industrial applications were up 7%, whilst sales of surface coating products serving the PCB fabrication market were up 5%. Copper damascene sales into the semi-conductor market were up 11% compared to the first half of 2010.

The construction of the new £14m Chemistry facility in Shanghai, to serve China's growing electronic materials, automotive and industrial end-markets, is expected to be completed in the first half of 2012. Currently the Chinese market is served from Cookson facilities in Shenzhen, Tianjin and Singapore.

Precious Metals division

The Precious Metals division is a leading supplier of fabricated precious metals (primarily gold, silver and platinum) to the jewellery industry in the US, UK, France and Spain, and also has significant precious metal recycling operations in Europe.

The Precious Metals division operates in two distinct geographic regions; Europe (which is focused on the UK, France and Spain), which constitutes 62% of the total net sales value (being revenue excluding the precious metals content) of the division, and the US. Average precious metal prices in the first half of 2011 have been significantly higher than the first half of 2010, being approximately 28% higher for gold, 108% for silver and 15% for platinum.

Net sales value of £65m in the first half of 2011 was 2% lower (4% lower at reported exchange rates) compared to the same period last year. This reflected continuing weak retail jewellery markets being largely offset by strong sales of coin blanks to the US Mint and higher levels of precious metal recycling in Europe, stimulated by the high price of gold.

Trading profit for the first half of 2011 at £6.7m was in line with the same period last year due to improved profits in Europe reflecting the high level of recycling business (particularly in Spain and France) offsetting weaker profitability in the US. The return on net sales value was 10.3%, well ahead of the 9.7% achieved in the first half of 2010 as reported.

Group corporate

The Group's corporate costs, being the costs directly related to managing the Group holding company were £4.3m, in line with the same period last year.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Group results highlights

Group Income Statement

Headline profit before tax

Headline profit before tax was £132.1m for the first half of 2011, compared to £104.0m for the same period in 2010. The increase in headline profit before tax arose as follows:

The £2.1m lower charge for net finance costs (interest) principally comprised of £1.3m lower interest on borrowings, due partially to a decrease in the average level of borrowings throughout the period and £0.5m lower pension interest. The lower average level of borrowings in the first half of 2011 reflects the benefits of the strong operating cash flow generation in the second half of 2010.

Items excluded from headline profit before tax

A net charge of £12.4m was incurred in the first half of 2011 (first half 2010: £11.5m) for the following items excluded from headline profit before tax:

Amortisation of intangible assets: costs of £8.9m (first half 2010: £8.9m) were incurred in the first half of 2011 relating to the amortisation of intangible assets, being customer relationships, intellectual property rights and the Foseco trade name, arising on the acquisition of Foseco in April 2008. These intangible assets are being amortised over lives varying between 10 and 20 years.

Restructuring charges: the £1.6m incurred in the first half of 2011 (first half 2010: £8.6m) comprises total costs of £4.3m, less profits of £2.7m arising on the sale of vacant property. Of the costs of £4.3m, £2.4m arose in Ceramics and £1.7m in Electronics, both principally arising from headcount reductions.

Restructuring charges of around £10m are expected to be incurred in the full year 2011.

Finance costs - exceptional items: costs of £1.9m (first half 2010: £nil) were incurred in the first half of 2011 arising from the write-off of unamortised borrowing costs relating to the syndicated bank facility which was terminated in April 2011 following the renegotiation of a new facility.

Group profit before tax and after the items noted above was £119.7m for the first half of 2011 compared to a profit before tax of £92.5m in the first half of 2010.

Taxation

The tax charge on ordinary activities was £31.7m on a headline profit before tax of £132.1m, an effective tax rate (before share of post-tax loss of joint ventures) of 24.0%. The effective tax rate in the full year 2010 was 21.1%, although this reflected the benefit of a number of non-recurring credits. The underlying effective tax rate for the full year 2010 was around 24%.

Whilst the Group's effective tax rate going forward will be affected by the geographic split of profit before tax, it is currently expected that the effective tax rate for the full years 2011 and 2012 will be around 24%.

Profit attributable to owners of the parent

Headline attributable profit for the first half of 2011 was £97.1m (first half 2010: £74.7m).

After taking account of all items excluded from headline profit before tax noted above (net of the related tax impact), the Group recorded a profit of £87.3m for the first half of 2011 (first half 2010: £64.5m).

Return on investment ("ROI")

The Group's post-tax ROI in the first half of 2011 was 10.0%, ahead of the 9.6% reported in full year 2010, reflecting the continuing improvement in trading performance during the period.

Earnings per share ("EPS")

Headline EPS, based on the headline profit attributable divided by the average number of shares in issue, amounted to 35.2p per share in the first half of 2011, 30% higher than the 27.0p in the first half of 2010. Basic EPS, based on the net profit attributable to owners of the parent, was 31.6p (first half 2010: 23.4p). The average number of shares in issue during the first half of 2011 was 276.0m, 0.2m lower than for the first half of 2010.

Dividend and dividend policy

In the Capital Markets presentation on 26 January 2011, it was stated that one of the financial targets for the three year period to 2013 was that dividends would grow at least in line with earnings growth.

Given the strong trading performance in the first half of 2011 and the outlook for the remainder of 2011, the Board is declaring an interim dividend of 7.25p per share (2010 interim dividend: nil). This interim dividend is to be paid on 17 October 2011 to shareholders on the register on 16 September 2011. It is the Board's intention to balance the split of interim and final dividends broadly on a one third/two thirds basis. Any shareholder wishing to participate in the Cookson Dividend Reinvestment Plan ("DRIP") needs to have submitted their election to do so by 3 October 2011.

Group cash flow

Net cash flows from operating activities

In the first half of 2011, there was a £6.5m net cash outflow from operating activities compared to a £6.6m net cash outflow in the first half of 2010. This change arose from:

The cash outflow of £134.9m from trade and other working capital reflects the strong increase in underlying revenue in the first half of 2011, the high level of commodity metal prices at period-end, and the Group's normal seasonality (with a build-up of working capital in the first half of the year and some reduction expected during the second half). Whilst the absolute level of trade working capital rose during the first half of 2011, the ratio of average trade working capital to sales in the first half of 2011 of 21.6% remained in line with expectations and compares with 21.1% for the full year 2010.

Cash outflow for restructuring was £7.9m. A cash outflow for restructuring of around £15m is expected in the full year 2011.

The cash outflow for additional pension plan funding contributions included the following:

UK defined benefit pension plan ("UK Plan"): payments totalling £3.5m were made into the UK Plan in the first half of 2011. A new funding valuation for the UK Plan as at the end of 2009 was completed in July 2010, based upon which Cookson and the Trustee agreed a new schedule of contributions of £7m per annum commencing in August 2010. The level of 'top-up' payments will be reviewed based on the UK Plan's next triennial valuation as of December 2012, which should be available in mid-2013.

US defined benefit pension plans: payments totalling £3.1m were made into the US pension plans in the first half of 2011, in line with the previously announced intention to make additional 'top-up' payments of approximately £6m per annum into the plans with effect from the beginning of 2011.

Net cash flows from investing activities

Capital expenditure: payments to acquire property, plant and equipment in the first half of 2011 were £31.5m, £15.8m higher than the first half of 2010 and representing 114% of depreciation (first half 2010: 57%). A cash outflow for capital expenditure of around £90m is expected in the full year 2011 principally reflecting the expansion of production capacity in China, India, Brazil, Eastern Europe, Japan and Singapore; and customer installations in the Ceramics and Electronics divisions.

Free cash flow

Free cash flow is defined as net cash flow from operating activities after net outlays for capital expenditure, dividends received from joint ventures and paid to non-controlling shareholders, but before additional funding contributions to Group pension plans.

Free cash outflow for the first half of 2011 was £29.3m, £14.4m higher than the £14.9m outflow in the first half of 2010. Whilst net cash outflow from operating activities was broadly unchanged between periods, the decrease in free cash flow principally arose from the £15.8m increase in capital expenditure described above.

The Group traditionally experiences lower free cash flows in the first half of the year compared with the second half, due to the seasonality of trade working capital cash flows. Free cash flow is expected to be strongly positive in the second half of 2011. The free cash inflow for the year ended June 2011 was £49.3m (year ended December 2010: £63.7m; year ended June 2010: £58.0m).

Net cash flow before financing

Net cash outflow before financing for the first half of 2011 was £41.5m, £15.0m higher than the first half of 2010 due principally to the increase in cash outflow from investing activities described above.

Cash flow from financing activities

Net cash outflow from financing activities (before movement in borrowings) was £67.2m (first half of 2010: £1.5m), principally comprising the following:

Settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts: a cash outflow of £25.5m arose relating to the settlement during the period of forward foreign exchange contracts, in particular those relating to the Singapore and US dollar (first half 2010: cash inflow of £0.5m). These forward foreign exchange contracts had been taken out in previous years to align broadly the currency profile of the Group's borrowings with the net assets of the Group and formed part of the hedge on investments of the Group's foreign investments.

Dividends paid: a cash outflow of £31.8m arose in respect of the payment in June 2011 of the final dividend for 2010 (first half 2010: £nil).

Net cash outflow and movement in net debt

Net cash outflow for the first half of 2011 (before movement in borrowings) was £108.7m, £80.7m higher than the first half of 2010.

With a £7.8m positive foreign exchange adjustment and £1.8m in other non-cash movements, this resulted in an increase in net debt from £329.7m at 31 December 2010 to £428.8m at 30 June 2011, an increase of £99.1m.

Net debt

The net debt of £428.8m as at 30 June 2011 was primarily drawn on available committed facilities of around £874m. The Group's net debt comprised the following:

In December 2010, the Group issued US$250m of new US Private Placement loan notes. The notes were issued in two series: US$110m at a fixed interest rate of 4.16% - maturing in December 2017, and US$140m at a fixed interest rate of 4.87% - maturing in December 2020. The average weighted interest rate on the new notes is 4.57% and the average weighted duration from issuance is 8.7 years. The remaining US$190m of US Private Placement loan notes are repayable in May 2012 and have an average fixed interest rate of 8.1%.

In April 2011, the Group entered into a new £600m revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks to replace the existing £511m bank facility which was due to mature in October 2012. The new facility matures in April 2016.

In the Capital Markets presentation on 26 January 2011, it was stated as part of the financial targets for the three year period to 2013 that the Group would maintain a strong financial position with a leverage ratio (net debt to EBITDA ratio) of not more than 1.5 times at year end and 1.75 times at the half year. The Group is currently operating very comfortably within this limit and, as at June 2011, the net debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.3 times (as compared with not more than 3.25 times for bank covenant purposes). Also as at 30 June 2011, the ratio of EBITDA to interest on borrowings was 15.6 times (as compared with not less than 4.0 times for bank covenant purposes). Based on these covenant ratios, the Group will pay a margin of 95bps over LIBOR on its borrowings under the committed bank facility.

As at 30 June 2011, the Group had undrawn committed debt facilities totalling around £340m.

The average interest rate on net debt for the full year 2011 - excluding pension interest - is expected to be around 5.7%. This rate reflects both the relatively expensive US$190m tranche of US Private Placement loan notes which are repayable in May 2012, and the low levels of interest income earned on cash balances. Currently around two-thirds of the Group's current gross borrowings are at fixed interest rates for an average period of just under four years from June 2011. This reflects both the fixed interest rate nature of the US Private Placement loan notes and the Group entering into a number of interest rate swaps.

Currency

In the first half of 2011, the net translation impact of using 2011 rates to translate 2010 first half results was not material i.e. a decrease in first half 2010 revenue of £7m and an increase of first half 2010 trading profit by £0.3m. Between these periods, the average exchange rates for sterling strengthened against the US dollar by 6%, the Chinese renminbi by 2% and the euro by 0.5%, but weakened against the Brazilian real by 4%, the Czech koruna by 5% and the Polish zloty by 1%.

The Group has a policy of broadly matching the currency of borrowings to the currency of operating activities. Currently, around 75% of the Group's gross borrowings are non-sterling denominated, principally in US dollars, euros and Chinese renminbi.

Pension fund and other post-retirement obligations

The Group operates defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans, principally in the UK, the US and Germany. In addition, the Group has various other post-retirement defined benefit arrangements, being principally healthcare arrangements in the US. The Group's principal defined benefit pension plans in the UK and the US are closed to new members and to further accruals for existing members.

As at 30 June 2011, a net deficit of £88.3m was recognised in respect of employee benefits. The reduction of £25.5m from the net deficit as at 31 December 2010 of £113.8m primarily arose in respect of the UK arrangements, as a result of strong asset performance and additional 'top-up' contributions of £3.5m. The deficit in the Group's US pension arrangements decreased by £9.4m to £48.5m, partially due to additional 'top-up' contributions of £3.1m. The net deficit in the plans in the remainder of the Group was broadly the same as at the end of 2010.

The total Group net deficit comprises a surplus of £20.6m relating to Cookson's UK defined benefit plan ("the UK Plan"), deficits of £48.5m relating to the Group's defined benefit pension plans in the US, £34.8m to plans in Germany, £16.1m to pension arrangements in other countries, and £9.5m to other, unfunded, post-retirement defined benefit arrangements.

Following its announcement in 2010, the UK government has implemented, with effect from 1 January 2011, the use of the Consumer Price Index ("CPI") instead of the Retail Prices Index ("RPI") for the purpose of determining statutory minimum pension increases for private sector pension schemes. Following a review by the Company and the UK Plan Trustee, the Trustee has communicated to deferred members in July 2011 the change, from the use of RPI to value their benefit, to the use of CPI with effect from 1 January 2011. At the same time, deferred members have been advised that the Company is intending to shortly offer them the opportunity to transfer their benefits out of the UK Plan to another arrangement at an enhanced value, including the retention of RPI to value any deferred benefits so transferred. In view of the timing of this announcement to members, the actuarial impact on the IAS 19 valuation of UK pension benefits of the change from RPI to CPI and of the impact of the result of the enhanced transfer value offer will both be taken into account as at the year-end.

Following the December 2009 triennial funding valuation for the UK Plan, completed in July 2010, the Company and Trustee agreed a schedule of additional contributions under which the Company is making 'top-up' payments of £7.0m per annum until February 2016, targeted at eliminating the deficit in the UK Plan by that date. The level of 'top-up' payments will be reviewed based on the UK Plan's next triennial valuation as of December 2012, which should be available in mid-2013.

The UK Plan assets include a liability-driven investment portfolio of financial derivative contracts which significantly reduces the risk that the Plan's assets will fall materially relative to the value of its projected liabilities for meeting future pension payments (the UK Plan's "economic liabilities"). When there is a stable relationship between the swap yields relevant to the UK Plan's derivatives and the corporate bond yields used for the IAS 19 discount rate, the UK Plan's hedging strategy should deliver a broadly stable 'funding ratio' (the ratio of plan assets to plan liabilities) not just in relation to the UK Plan's economic liabilities, but also under an IAS 19 basis of valuation. As at 30 June 2011, the estimated 'economic' funding position showed a funding ratio of 97%, whilst the IAS 19 valuation showed a funding ratio of 105%. This represents a valuation difference of around £36m, reflecting the use of more prudent valuation assumptions for deriving the economic funding position, the basis by which the Company continues to fund the UK Plan.

With effect from the beginning of 2011, additional 'top-up' payments of approximately £6m per annum are being made into the US pension plans.

The total charge to the income statement in the first half of 2011 for all pension plans (including defined contribution plans) was £12.5m, broadly in line with the first half of 2010 (before exceptional curtailment gains). Of this charge, £10.9m (first half 2010: £10.3m) has been deducted in arriving at trading profit and £1.6m (first half 2010: £2.1m) has been included within net finance charges. Total pension cash contributions amounted to £17.3m in 2011 (first half 2010: £21.3m), which included £6.6m (first half 2010: £8.8m) of additional cash funding contributions into the UK and US plans.

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Throughout its global operations, Cookson faces various risks, both internal and external, which could have a material impact on the Group's long-term performance. Cookson manages the risks inherent in its operations in order to mitigate exposure to all forms of risk, where practical, and to transfer risk to insurers, where cost effective.

On pages 27 to 29 of its 2010 Annual Report (a copy of which is available at Cookson's website at www.cooksongroup.co.uk), the Company set out what the Directors regarded as being the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group as at 1 March 2011 and which could have a material impact on the Group's long-term performance. Many of these risks are such that their potential to impact the Group's operations are inherent to Cookson as a global business and they remain valid as regards their potential to impact the Group during the remainder of the second half of 2011.

Copies of the Half Year Financial Report will not be mailed to shareholders. Copies can be obtained from the Cookson website (www.cooksongroup.co.uk), or by contacting the Investor Relations department at the Company's registered office (see below).

Cookson management will make a presentation to analysts on 2 August 2011 at 10.15am (UK time). This will be broadcast live on Cookson's website. An archive version of the presentation will be available on the website later that day.

About Cookson Group plc:

Cookson Group plc is a leading materials science company operating on a worldwide basis in Ceramics, Electronics and Precious Metals markets.

The Ceramics division is the world leader in the supply of advanced consumable refractory products and systems to the global steel and foundry industries and a leading supplier of speciality ceramic products to the glass and solar industries. It is also a regional leader in the US, UK and Australia in the supply and installation of monolithic refractory linings.

The Electronics division is a leading supplier of advanced surface treatment and plating chemicals and assembly materials to the electronics, automotive, industrial and construction markets.

The Precious Metals division is a leading supplier of fabricated precious metals (primarily gold, silver and platinum) to the jewellery industry in the US, the UK, France and Spain, and also has significant precious metal recycling operations in Europe.

Forward-looking statements

This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements which may include reference to one or more of the following: the Group's financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, dividends, financing plans, business strategies, operating efficiencies or synergies, budgets, capital and other expenditures, competitive positions, growth opportunities for existing products, plans and objectives of management and other matters.

Statements in this announcement that are not historical facts are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to the future business prospects, revenue, working capital, liquidity, capital needs, interest costs and income, in each case relating to Cookson, wherever they occur in this announcement, are necessarily based on assumptions reflecting the views of Cookson and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include without limitation: economic and business cycles; the terms and conditions of Cookson's financing arrangements; foreign currency rate fluctuations; competition in Cookson's principal markets; acquisitions or disposals of businesses or assets; and trends in Cookson's principal industries.

The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. When relying on forward-looking statements, careful consideration should be given to the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and events, as well as factors described in documents the Company files with the UK regulator from time to time including its annual reports and accounts.

Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except as required by the Rules of the UK Listing Authority and the London Stock Exchange and applicable law, Cookson undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this announcement might not occur.

Cookson Group plc, 165 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2AE

Registered in England and Wales No. 251977

www.cooksongroup.co.uk

Directors' responsibility statement

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

(a) The condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the EU; and

(b) This half-yearly financial report includes a fair review of the information required by:

- DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

- DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related parties' transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or the performance of the Group during that period; and any changes in the related parties' transactions described in the last annual report that could have a material effect on the financial position or performance of the Group in the first six months of the current financial year.

On behalf of the Board

Mike Butterworth

Group Finance Director

2 August 2011

Independent review report to Cookson Group plc

Introduction

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-year financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2011 which comprises the condensed Group income statement, the condensed Group statement of comprehensive income, the condensed Group statement of cash flows, the condensed Group balance sheet, the condensed Group statement of changes in equity and the related explanatory notes. We have read the other information contained in the half-year financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("the DTR") of the UK's Financial Services Authority ("the UK FSA"). Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FSA.

As disclosed in note 1, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the EU.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2011 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU and the DTR of the UK FSA.

Stephen Oxley

for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc

Chartered Accountants

15 Canada Square

London, E14 5GL

2 August 2011

Condensed Group Income Statement

For the six months ended 30 June 2011

Condensed Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the six months ended 30 June 2011

Condensed Group Statement of Cash Flows

For the six months ended 30 June 2011

Condensed Group Balance Sheet

As at 30 June 2011

Condensed Group Statement of Changes in Equity

For the six months ended 30 June 2011